Barksdale SWAT team takes the bank!

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tori Lalich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2nd Security Forces Squadron Emergency Services Team responded to a crisis situation during a training exercise at the former Chase Bank building on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 2.

The Barksdale EST is similar to a local law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics team and is prepared to respond to a variety of emergency situations including armed attacks, tactical movement through buildings, crowd control, vehicle assaults and hostage scenarios.

"Training is very important for us," said 2nd Lt. Joshua Hight, 2 SFS EST leader. "Due to the nature of our job, we aren't allowed to have a bad day. Everything we do must be flawless because lives are in jeopardy when we're on a mission."

The team's scenario included an emergency recall, securing the building, negotiating for the release of hostages and eventually storming the facility using simulated flash grenades to stun the opposing force and firing weapons with blank ammunition to simulate gunfire.

"This is the first time we've actually had hostage negotiators on scene with us in an exercise," said Hight. "They calmed everyone in the scenario because of their ability to talk down threats from the opposing force and ensure our safe entry into the building."

The opposing force members: Brian Clausing, Chad Shockley and David Craig, all from the 49th Test and Evaluations Squadron, have experienced multiple training exercises with the EST.

"They are always willing to dedicate their time to us," Hight said. "Having an opposing force from outside of Security Forces makes the scenario more realistic and unpredictable to our team since the OPFOR doesn't have a 'law enforcement' mindset. Without them, training would be difficult and less effective."

Apart from the opposing force and EST, 2 SFS leadership was on hand to observe the exercise and learn from the scenario.

"Our mission is to save lives, and we do that extremely well," said Master Sgt. Michael Shortle, 2 SFS EST NCO-in charge. "The last real world call for us was an attempted murder and kidnap suspect who fled to the East Side of base. We received that call around 1 a.m. and had a team on scene in less than 30 minutes. The suspect was apprehended and all individuals returned home safe that night."

EST brings specialized equipment and knowledge to assist the on-duty patrols with any situation when they need back-up, Shortle said.

"I can assure you that 2 SFS Emergency Services Team is prepared 24/7/365 to ensure the safety of those on Barksdale," said Hight.

The EST trains monthly, at a minimum, and welcomes new security forces members to try out for a position on the team.